Article
Gerontology
Jennifer Baumbusch, Heather A. Cooke, Isabel Sloan Yip
Summary: This study conducted a critical ethnographic research on the involvement of family members in LTC homes in British Columbia, Canada from 2014 to 2018. The findings reveal that family members play a crucial role in filling the gaps caused by understaffing and lack of resources in LTC homes. They respond to the needs of residents, support staff in meeting residents' needs, and provide care for residents who do not have their own family members present. Formal policies and legislation should be established to recognize and support family involvement in caring for nonrelative residents as it contributes to the overall quality of care.
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
C. Barrett Bowling, Richard Sloane, Carl Pieper, Alison Luciano, Barry R. Davis, Lara M. Simpson, Paula T. Einhorn, Suzanne Oparil, Paul Muntner
Summary: Analysis of data from ALLHAT showed that sustained SBP control is associated with a lower risk of long-term nursing home admission, with participants maintaining 100% SBP control having the lowest risk of nursing home admission.
JOURNAL OF HYPERTENSION
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Rheda Adekpedjou, George A. Heckman, Paul C. Hebert, Andrew P. Costa, John Hirdes
Summary: Advance care directives (DNAR and DNH) for residents in long-term care homes are associated with increased health instability and death, and decreased hospitalization. DNH directives are not commonly used and are often overturned, suggesting a need for re-evaluation of policies.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Joseph E. Gaugler, Lauren L. Mitchell
Summary: This article examines the state of family involvement in residential long-term care (RLTC) and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family involvement.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Agne Ulyte, Ateev Mehrotra, Haiden A. Huskamp, David C. Grabowski, Michael L. Barnett
Summary: The use of specialty care significantly decreases after patients transition to a nursing home. Residents who require specialty care have fewer visits after the transition, with a decreasing trend in all specialties. Patients with severe conditions have a larger decrease. Among residents who continue to visit specialists, 78.9% see the same provider as before the transition.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Hemalkumar B. Mehta, Yong-Fang Kuo, Mukaila A. Raji, Jordan Westra, Cynthia Boyd, G. Caleb Alexander, James S. Goodwin
Summary: The study found that from 2014 to 2018, chronic opioid use among nursing home residents decreased from 14.1% to 11.4%, with a decline in variation among states but an increase in variation among nursing homes.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Chiang-Hua Chang, Alexander Mainor, Carrie Colla, Julie Bynum
Summary: This study found that long-term nursing home residents attributed to an ACO had lower hospitalization rates and fewer outpatient ED visits, but no significant difference in total Medicare spending. Additionally, residents' attribution status was not stable year over year.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Gerontology
Mary Jean Hande, Janice Keefe, Deanne Taylor
Summary: The study identified promising staff-related policies in LTRC regulations in four Canadian jurisdictions that support staff flexibility to enhance resident quality of life. While some policies overemphasized safety and security, newer policies tend to provide more interpretive approaches to staff flexibility and broaden QoL concepts.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Catherine C. Cohen, Kimberly Powell, Andrew W. Dick, Chelsea B. Deroche, Mansi Agarwal, Patricia W. Stone, Gregory L. Alexander
Summary: This study examines the trends in IT maturity and its association with antibiotic use in US NHs. The findings suggest that IT integration in administrative processes is positively associated with antibiotic use. Further evaluation is needed to determine the usefulness of IT in promoting antibiotic stewardship.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Hemalkumar B. Mehta, Yong-Fang Kuo, Mukaila Raji, Shuang Li, Jordan Westra, James S. Goodwin
Summary: The study revealed a decrease in opioid use among nursing home residents from 2011 to 2017, with lower usage among residents with varying severity of dementia. The findings suggest potential issues with pain management in dementia patients.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Ana Mazur, Britta Tetzlaff, Tina Mallon, Berit Hesjedal-Streller, Vivien Weiss, Martin Scherer, Sascha Koepke, Katrin Balzer, Linda Steyer, Tim Friede, Sebastian Pfeiffer, Eva Hummers, Christiane Mueller
Summary: To improve collaboration between general practitioners and nurses in nursing homes, researchers developed an intervention package called interprof ACT. However, the implementation of this intervention did not have a significant impact on hospitalisation rates and other clinical parameters among nursing home residents.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Lindsay Groenvynck, Bram de Boer, Jan P. H. Hamers, Theo van Achterberg, Erik van Rossum, Hilde Verbeek
Summary: This study proposes a model to optimize the transition from home to a nursing home based on the experiences of older persons and informal caregivers. The model emphasizes the overall need for partnership during the transition, identifying key components such as support, communication, information, and time. It aims to guide policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in developing and evaluating transitional care interventions to reduce fragmentation and optimize the transition process.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Nursing
Cecilia H. H. Ringborg, Yvonne Wengstrom, Anna Schandl, Pernilla Lagergren
Summary: This qualitative study aimed to explore the experience of family caregivers of patients treated for oesophageal cancer 2 years after treatment and to guide future interventions. The most significant stress factors for family caregivers were distress regarding patients' nutrition, fear of tumour recurrence, and worry about the future. Despite long-term patient survival, family caregivers continue to struggle with psychosocial consequences and there is a need to improve support interventions throughout the disease trajectory.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Malgorzata Wrotek, Malgorzata Kalbarczyk
Summary: This study aims to identify the factors that determine the use and selection of long-term care (LTC) in Poland. The results suggest that social inequalities play a role in LTC selection, while multi-morbidity has limited impact on the choice of inpatient facilities. Furthermore, the study finds noticeable differences in LTC selection determinants between women and men.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Giulia Rivasi, Matteo Bulgaresi, Chiara Bandinelli, Daniela Balzi, Francesca Tarantini, Silvia Tognelli, Chiara Lorini, Primo Buscemi, Lorenzo Baggiani, Giancarlo Landini, Andrea Ungar, Guglielmo Bonaccorsi, Enrico Mossello, Enrico Benvenuti
Summary: The long-term impact of the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on breakthrough infection rates in nursing homes in Florence, Italy was investigated. The study found that rates of breakthrough infection, hospitalization, and lethality remained low up to 9 months following the primary vaccination course. However, there was a mild resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 infection after 6 months from vaccination, indicating a decline in vaccine effectiveness in preventing transmission.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Manka Nkimbeng, Nwakaego A. Nmezi, Zachary G. Baker, Janiece L. Taylor, Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, Tetyana P. Shippee, Sarah L. Szanton, Joseph E. Gaugler
Summary: This study conducted secondary data analyses of older African immigrants in the Baltimore-Washington area to describe and identify correlates of depressive symptoms. The findings revealed that a percentage of participants had depressive symptoms, with trouble falling asleep being the most prevalent symptom. Longitudinal designs may be necessary to further investigate depressive symptoms within this population.
CLINICAL GERONTOLOGIST
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Chelsea Liu, Victoria R. Marino, Virginia J. Howard, William E. Haley, David L. Roth
Summary: Higher social engagement and longer caregiving duration tend to be associated with higher positive aspects of caregiving (PAC). Non-dementia caregivers and African American caregivers reported higher PAC. Caregiving strain may attenuate the association between dementia caregiving and PAC.
AGING & MENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Manka Nkimbeng, Alvine Akumbom, Marianne Granbom, Sarah L. Szanton, Tetyana P. Shippee, Roland J. Thorpe Jr, Joseph E. Gaugler
Summary: This qualitative study examined the experiences of aging and retirement planning for African immigrant older adults in the United States. It found that cultural identity, decision making, and the final choice of retirement location were the key factors influencing their retirement decisions. In addition to physical and sociocultural environment, age-friendliness for immigrant older adults should also consider wider contextual aspects such as political climate, immigrant status, family responsibilities, and acculturation in the US.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Gerontology
Lauren J. Parker, Joseph E. Gaugler, Laura N. Gitlin
Summary: This article discusses the application of Critical Race Theory in encouraging the participation of Black individuals in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia research. It proposes using Critical Race Theory constructs to inform recruitment strategies for Black caregivers in community-based research. Although primarily theoretical, it also calls for action to ensure inclusivity of Black participants in dementia care research.
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Joanne Elayoubi, William E. Haley, David L. Roth, Mary Cushman, Orla C. Sheehan, Virginia J. Howard, Melissa deCardi Hladek, Gizem Hueluer
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether changes in perceived stress and depressive symptoms are associated with increased inflammation among family caregivers and non-caregivers. The findings showed that caregivers experienced greater worsening in perceived stress and depressive symptoms compared to non-caregivers, but there were limited associations between these factors and inflammation in both groups. However, inflammation was associated with various demographic and health variables for both caregivers and non-caregivers, such as age, race, obesity, and medication use for hypertension and diabetes.
INTERNATIONAL PSYCHOGERIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Gerontology
David L. Roth, John P. Bentley, Debora Kamin Mukaz, William E. Haley, Jeremy D. Walston, Karen Bandeen-Roche
Summary: Previous studies have found small and inconsistent differences between family caregivers and control samples on individual measures of systemic inflammation. This study identified two latent factors of inflammation and found that transitioning to a family caregiving role was associated with a lower increase over time on the inhibitory feedback factor.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Yuri Jang, Nan Sook Park, Juyoung Park, David A. Chiriboga, William E. Haley, Miyong T. Kim
Summary: This study examined the types of family relationships among older Korean Americans and explored the role of friend networks in mental health. The results showed that individuals with smaller friend networks and belonging to dysfunctional family types experienced greater mental distress. In addition, the study highlighted the importance of friend networks, particularly for older immigrants with dysfunctional family relationships.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES B-PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Gerontology
Zachary G. Baker, Manka Nkimbeng, Pearl Ed G. Cuevas, Ana R. Quinones, Harmeet Kaur Kang, Joseph E. Gaugler, Ladson Hinton, Laura N. Gitlin, Tetyana P. Shippee
Summary: Most research dollars for interventions targeting older adults are awarded to researchers in high-income countries, even though the majority of older adults reside in low- and middle-income countries. One approach to improve implementation of evidence-based innovations in these countries is to design interventions relevant to both high-income and LMICs. This study suggests that partnering with stakeholders in LMICs during the intervention design process can help facilitate implementation. Considerations and incentives for researchers, intervention designers, and funders are also discussed.
Article
Gerontology
Lauren J. Parker, Katherine A. Marx, Manka Nkimbeng, Elma Johnson, Sokha Koeuth, Joseph E. Gaugler, Laura N. Gitlin
Summary: This article discusses the cultural adaptation process of an Adult Day Service Plus intervention for Hispanic/Latino caregivers, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural nuances and care preferences in the development and implementation of evidence-based interventions.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Colleen M. Peterson, Robyn W. Birkeland, Katie W. Louwagie, Stephanie N. Ingvalson, Lauren L. Mitchell, Theresa L. Scott, Jacki Liddle, Nancy A. Pachana, Louise Gustafsson, Joseph E. Gaugler
Summary: The CarFreeMe(TM)-Dementia program was adapted for drivers in the United States, aiming to assist drivers living with dementia and their care partners in planning for or adjusting to driving retirement. The study found that the program was feasible, acceptable, and useful, providing education and support on driving retirement, lifestyle planning, stress management, and alternative transportation options. Further investigations of the program's efficacy in the United States and other cultural contexts are needed.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES B-PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Gerontology
Eric Jutkowitz, Derek Lake, Peter Shewmaker, Joseph E. Gaugler
Summary: Increases in state minimum wage were not associated with changes in caregiving consumed by adults age 65+, regardless of whether they had dementia or were Medicaid beneficiaries.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED GERONTOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Family Studies
Tamara L. Statz, Colleen M. Peterson, Robyn W. Birkeland, Hayley R. McCarron, Jessica M. Finlay, Christina E. Rosebush, Zachary G. Baker, Joseph E. Gaugler
Summary: Guilt is a common emotion experienced by family caregivers following a transition into a long-term care facility, particularly for those with high care needs related to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Both spouse and adult child caregivers often report feeling guilt from the care recipient, other family members, or facility staff. Individual and situational characteristics such as level of care involvement, visit frequency and quality, and perceptions of the facility influence caregiver guilt. Tailored couple and family psychology interventions focused on communication, decision-making, positive aspects, psychoeducation, self-forgiveness, stress management, self-care, and validation can help alleviate common facets of caregiver guilt following transition into long-term care.
COUPLE AND FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY-RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Noelle L. Fields, Ling Xu, Ishan C. Williams, Joseph E. Gaugler, Daisha J. Cipher, Jessica Cassidy, Gretchen Feinhals
Summary: Research shows that African American adults are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) and are underrepresented in research. To address the disparities in dementia care, a study evaluated the effectiveness of a culturally informed training program called Senior Companion Program/SCP Plus for African American ADRD family caregivers. The results demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge of ADRD, caregiving competence, and preparedness for caregiving. The SCP Plus training shows promise as a scalable and culturally relevant intervention for ADRD.
Editorial Material
Gerontology
Joseph E. Gaugler
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Hannah T. Neprash, John F. Mulcahy, Dori A. Cross, Joseph E. Gaugler, Ezra Golberstein, Ishani Ganguli
Summary: This study investigates variations in primary care visit length and the association between visit length and potentially inappropriate prescribing decisions. The findings suggest that shorter visit lengths are associated with a higher likelihood of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and coprescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines. These results highlight the importance of improving visit scheduling and prescribing decisions in primary care.
